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comp software notes

The document discusses the roles and differences between system software and application software, highlighting examples such as operating systems and utility programs. It explains the importance of system software in managing hardware resources, facilitating multitasking, and ensuring security, as well as the functions of various utilities like virus checkers and backup software. Additionally, it covers concepts like device drivers, interrupts, and memory management within operating systems.

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7 views

comp software notes

The document discusses the roles and differences between system software and application software, highlighting examples such as operating systems and utility programs. It explains the importance of system software in managing hardware resources, facilitating multitasking, and ensuring security, as well as the functions of various utilities like virus checkers and backup software. Additionally, it covers concepts like device drivers, interrupts, and memory management within operating systems.

Uploaded by

Fatima
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Q1: What is the main role of system software in a computer system?

Answer: System software manages hardware resources, runs the computer, and
provides a platform for application software.

Q2: Give two examples of system software.

Answer: Examples of system software include operating systems like Windows and
Linux, and utility programs like antivirus software.

Q3: What is a key difference between system software and application software?

Answer: System software manages hardware and facilitates system operations, while
application software performs specific tasks for the user.

Q4: Name two examples of application software and their uses.

Answer: Microsoft Word is used for word processing, and Google Chrome is used for
web browsing.

Q5: Why is system software essential for running application software?

Answer: Application software depends on system software to access hardware


resources and run properly. For instance, an operating system manages memory and
CPU resources needed by application software.

Q6: Explain how device drivers contribute to the working of system software.
Device drivers enable the operating system to communicate with hardware devices by
translating high-level commands into hardware-specific instructions. For example, a
printer driver allows the OS to send print jobs to the printer.

Q7: What are two key features of utility programs, and how do they differ from
application software?
Utility programs perform maintenance tasks (e.g., virus scanning, disk cleanup) and
operate closer to the hardware. Unlike application software, utility programs focus on
optimizing and maintaining the system rather than performing specific user tasks.

Q8: How does firmware differ from general system software, and where is it
stored?
Firmware provides low-level control for specific hardware and is stored in non-volatile
memory like read-only memory (ROM). Unlike general system software, firmware is
often embedded directly in devices and not easily modified by users.

Q9: Why is it necessary for application software to rely on system software to


function?
Application software depends on system software to access hardware resources such
as memory, CPU, and I/O devices. The system software manages these resources and
provides a stable environment for application software to run.

Q10: Compare the level of user interaction required by system software and
application software.
System software typically requires minimal direct user interaction as it operates in the
background, managing resources and hardware. In contrast, application software is
designed for direct user interaction with features like graphical interfaces to perform
specific tasks.

Q1: What is the purpose of Human-Computer Interface (HCI) in an operating


system?

Answer: HCI allows users to interact with the system through interfaces like GUI or CLI,
enabling commands and tasks to be executed.

Q2: How does the OS manage memory during multitasking?

Answer: The OS allocates memory to active processes and ensures efficient switching
between tasks using scheduling algorithms.

Q3: What is an interrupt, and how does the OS handle it?

Answer: An interrupt is a signal requiring immediate attention. The OS pauses the


current process, handles the interrupt, and then resumes the paused task.

Q4: Why is user account management important in an operating system?

Answer: It allows multiple users to have personalized settings, permissions, and secure
access to the system.

Q5: What role does file management play in an operating system?

Answer: File management organizes, retrieves, and secures data, ensuring it is stored
in an accessible and structured format.

Q6: How does the operating system ensure security when managing login
credentials?
The OS verifies user login credentials through authentication processes such as
passwords or biometric data and implements encryption to protect stored data.

Q7: What is the significance of virtual memory in memory management?


Virtual memory allows the OS to use disk space as an extension of RAM, enabling the
system to run applications that require more memory than physically available.
Q8: Explain how the OS manages hardware peripherals using device drivers.
The OS uses device drivers to act as intermediaries between the system and hardware
devices, ensuring proper communication and efficient handling of input/output requests.

Q9: Why is process scheduling crucial in multitasking?


Process scheduling allows the OS to allocate CPU time to multiple tasks efficiently,
ensuring smooth and fair execution without noticeable delays for the user.

Q10: What happens if the OS does not handle an interrupt properly?


If an interrupt is not handled correctly, it can cause the system to freeze, crash, or fail to
respond to critical tasks, leading to potential data loss or hardware malfunction.

Q6: Explain the working of defragmentation software and its impact on system
performance.
Defragmentation software analyzes storage devices to identify fragmented files and
reorganizes them so that file segments are stored contiguously. This improves system
performance by speeding up file access and increasing storage efficiency.

Q7: How do virus checkers identify and handle malicious software?


Virus checkers use a database of known virus signatures and heuristic analysis to
detect threats. They scan files for anomalies, quarantine infected files, and remove
malware to prevent harm to the system.

Q8: What is the purpose of backup software, and how does it ensure data safety?
Backup software creates duplicate copies of files or entire systems, storing them on
external devices, cloud storage, or network drives. Scheduled backups ensure data
safety by allowing recovery in case of data loss or corruption.

Q9: How does file compression software reduce file sizes, and why is it
beneficial?
File compression software uses algorithms to minimize redundant data in files,
significantly reducing their size. This is beneficial for efficient storage, faster file
transfers, and saving disk space.

Q10: Describe the role of security utilities in protecting computer systems.


Security utilities monitor and control network traffic using firewalls, encrypt sensitive
data for privacy, and implement access controls to prevent unauthorized system access
and ensure data integrity.

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